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Last updated: 19/08/2026

Download Theme as Zip

ZIP download button on each theme for backup or migration without FTP.

Overview

Adds a Download ZIP control in the Themes UI so you can package a theme directory from wp-admin. Useful for backing up child themes, migrating custom themes, and capturing theme files before updates—without FTP.

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Who is this for?
  • Developers who need quick copies of installed WordPress themes
  • Agencies moving custom themes between client websites
  • Site owners who want a theme backup before making changes
  • Users who need theme files without FTP or hosting-panel access

Features

Per-theme ZIP download
Download control in the Themes interface.
No FTP required
Package theme folders from wp-admin.
Nonce-protected download
Secure admin-post endpoint with capability checks.
Migration-friendly
Capture theme files for staging or handoff.

Turn Any Installed Theme Into a Portable ZIP

  • It's common to have a theme installed on a website without having the original ZIP package nearby—especially with custom themes, older client websites, or sites you've inherited.
  • Normally, retrieving it means accessing the server, finding the correct theme directory, downloading the files, and creating an archive manually.
  • Download Theme as ZIP turns that workflow into a single action inside WordPress.
  • Open the theme details, click Download ZIP, and WP PowerSuite packages the installed theme for you.

Perfect for Custom Theme Workflows

  • The module is particularly useful when working with custom or heavily modified themes.
  • Before making significant changes, you can quickly download the current theme as a backup. Agencies can also retrieve custom themes from client websites for local development, staging, migration, or reuse where appropriate.
  • Downloaded files are automatically named using the theme slug and version, such as: my-theme-2.4.1.zip
  • This makes multiple theme exports easier to identify later.

Use Cases

  • Child theme backups
    Download a child theme before a parent theme update or redesign.
  • Theme handoffs
    Send a client or contractor the exact theme folder in use.
  • Staging clones
    Pull a theme ZIP from production to install on a staging site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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